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Resident Melissa Gillingham caught one of the giant rodents scurrying around her home

Resident Melissa Gillingham, who lives with her partner Aaron Barham and has three children under the age of four, said: "About two weeks ago we first noticed it. We started hearing them scurrying around when we were in bed.

“When we spotted one we went and bought a trap and we managed to catch it. We’ve not had anything since then but everyone here can still hear them because our lofts are connected.”

Ms Gillingham, 23, wants the housing association responsible for the properties, Hyde Housing, to deal with the problem, since the rodents are known to pose a public health risk - carrying diseases and spoiling food.

And even the much smaller, regular-sized members of the species are also capable of causing structural damage to properties and of starting electrical fires by chewing through wires and cables.

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Residents have said the rats are almost a foot-long

Ms Gillingham said: "Hyde should help us get rid of them. Rats carry diseases, they are very nasty creatures and can end up biting.

“They have told us to get pest control involved but you have got to pay for that and I can’t afford it.”

Olushola Alao, Hyde Housing’s resident services manager for Kent, said: “We understand residents’ distress and are committed to doing all we can to help.

"The housing officer for this area is meeting with the residents to discuss how best to work together, alongside the local authority, to address this infestation as a matter of urgency.

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Around 12 homes in Gouge Avenue in Northfleet, Kent have been infested

"The housing officer will also work with local authority colleagues, to investigate the possible source of this infestation so that it can be addressed.

“In addition, we’re liaising with the council to clear surrounding land of rubbish left by fly tippers. We are keen to support residents to address this issue effectively and are seeking expert advice.

“Unfortunately rats, mice and other pests can become a challenge in residential areas. Often the cause of the original infestation is not readily apparent and it is not unusual that a problem in one home can quickly spread to others.

“By working together we can aim to limit the damage to property and the distress caused by outbreaks of this kind, and do everything possible, to reduce the chances of it happening again.”